The lake effect snow machine has died down for the moment but, more is on the way.

In addition don't expect any break from the frigid temperatures until into the early part of 2018. That's the word from Meteorologist Dave Thomas of the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Thomas says temperatures will remain below normal for the next several days.

In addition, Thomas says we are not done dealing with lake effect snow. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued from this afternoon through Sunday morning.

Thomas says the next round of lake effect should be mainly along the Lake Erie shoreline and will start up during the daylight hours today. The affected areas will include Ripley, Westfield and Dunkirk. Storm totals of 12 to 20 inches are expected from this afternoon through much of Saturday.

The Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club and several other clubs in Chautauqua County opened their trails for the season yesterday.

That from Membership Coordinator Matthew Terrill, who says that despite a great lake effect snowfall in Mayville, groomers are out clearing trails.

Terrill says snow banks at road crossings are a major concern because some are 6-feet high, or taller making for a dangerous drop off for snowmobilers. With current conditions, he recommends that more advanced snowmobilers come out to visit the area through the weekend. Otherwise, he says ride with caution.

Snow may be hiding branches or fallen trees some spots. The trail to Busti is the only one not open. For the latest information on the over 400 miles of trails in the county, Terrill says to visit ChautauquaSnow.com

A city man accused of stangling and punching his girlfriend during a domestic violence incident on Jamestown's southside late Thursday morning.

Jamestown Police were called to the area of Barrows and King Streets about 10 a.m. on a report of a domestic incident. When they arrived, officers say they spoke with the unidenfied victim, who told them that her boyfriend had choked and punched her several times during an argument.

The boyfriend, identified as 34 year-old William Bean was found by police a short time later and arrested for third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing.

Officers also ran a background check on Bean and, found he had been convicted in a previous domestic violence incident within the past five years and, he was also charged with aggravated criminal contempt. He was jailed pending arraignment.

There is just a narrow window to pre-pay your January property taxes in Chautauqua County so they can be written off on your federal tax return for 2017.

However, acting County Executive and Attorney Steve Abdella, who says the county late Wednesday issued 2018 tax warrants to local tax collectors, says check with your local tax tax collector first. Abdella says you can also mail in your payment, but he says check the county's website first.

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency order last Friday, which allows local tax warrants to be issued so property owners can pre-pay their town, city and county taxes that come due in January.

However, Abdella says you can't pre-pay your village or school taxes, which come later in the year. Again, to find your tax liability go online to Chautauqua.NY.US/349/RealPropertyTax.

Abdella adds that property tax payers should also consult with a taxing professional regarding the deductability of property taxes and, what method you should use to pay.

State officials say enrollment in health plans through New York's official marketplace has reached more than 4-million people. That exceeds last year's enrollment by 700,000.

The deadline for 2018 enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan is January 31st. After that, individuals can enroll only if they have a life event such as loss of coverage, marriage or birth of a child that qualifies them for a special enrollment period.

Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan continues throughout the year. For information or to enroll in a health plan, visit the New York State of Health Marketplace online.

A special "New Year's" fundraiser for the Chautauqua County Humane Society will be held this coming Sunday night at La Familia Restaurant on the ground's of Chautauqua Institution.

Chef Berk Lindquist says they'll be hosting the first-ever "Tucks and Tails" New Year's Eve "black-tie" event. Lindquist says he got together with Humane Society Director of Communications Brian Papalia and others to create the event, half the proceeds of which will go to the Humane Society.

Lindquist says they'll serve hors 'deuvres from 8 to 9 p.m.Sunday, then begin serving from several food stations. He says there will be a Beef Wellington carving station, along with seafood and Salmon. Lindquist says there's also going to be desert, with a Chocolate Fountain, along with a cash bar and live music with space for dancing.

There will also be a Midnighttoast included in the price. The cost is $75 a person and $150 per couple. There are also accomodations available for people not wanting the drive following the event. For more information, call Berk Lindquist at La Familia at 357-2002.

The Chautauqua County Legislature last January unanimously approved a new chairman during it's organizational meeting.

Republican David Himelein of Findley Lake succeeded "Jay" Gould who held the position for the last five years. Himelein served as majority leader before taking over his new duties. He outlined his goals in his acceptance speech.

Himelein also says he will strive to keep property taxes as low as possible. Republican members of the legislature chose Paul "PJ" Wendel of Lakewood as majority leader and, Democrats selected Jamestown's Chuck Nazzaro as minority leader. More on this weekend's "Year-end" Community Spotlight program.

The eastern ends of Lakes Erie and Ontario in New York state have been getting pouned by lake effect snow the past three days and, have produced some impressive snowfall totals.

Officials in communities near both lakes are asking residents to avoid driving on local roads so crews can remove 4 to 5 feet of snow that has fallen since Christmas Day. Heavy, lake-effect snow is being blamed for causing crashes and stranding vehicles in Chautauqua and, Oswego Counties.

Officials in the town of Boylston in the Tug Hill Plateau area say people should stay off local roads so plow drivers can make traveling safer.

The lake effect snow continued to pile up late yesterday in communities across the Chautauqua Ridge.

So far, there's been more than 40 inches of the white stuff in Perrysburg in Cattaraugus County. But, there's even more snow on the ground in the village of Mayville. That from Mayor Marty Bova, who tells us they had nearly four-feet on the ground yesterday morning but, we understand that's now about 5-feet of the white stuff.

The village had problems with its sidewalk plow Tuesday. Bova says they are renting one while repairs are being made. He says their Bobcat broke down, and they had to get one from Southern Tier Trailer.

Bova says they rented one from Southern Tier, and tried to play catch up yesterday. Bova says it looks like a Winter wonderland, but the mayor hopes the current lake effect snow event ends soon.

Snow continued to fall late Wednesday in Erie, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas that already have seen a record amount of snow over the past few days.

The National Weather Service office in Cleveland says at least an additional 5 to 10 inches are expected through Wednesday.

The storm brought 34 inches of snow on Christmas Day, an all-time daily snowfall record for Erie. Another 24.5 inches fell by Tuesday night, bringing the total since December 23rd to more than 62.9 inches.

A Connecticut woman is being treated for non-life threatening injuries after losing control of her car, and it crashed into a guard rail on Interstate 86 in the town of Sherman.

Sheriff's officers say 20 year-old Alicia Cavazos of Hartfield was traveling on the highway just before 6 a.m.Wednesday, when she lost control on the snow-slicked road, and, the vehicle struck the guard rail. She was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for evaluation and treatment.

A former corrections officer at a state prison facility in Brocton has been charged with raping an inmate.

State police say 41-year-old James Beam, Junior of Silver Creek, was also charged with several counts of official misconduct. Troopers say Beam was charged after an investigation into an unlawful personal relationship with an inmate while working at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility.

Police say Beam was issued an appearance ticket at the direction of the county district attorney's office. He's scheduled to appear in Portland Town court next month.

State financial leaders are projecting as much as a $4-billion budget deficit in New York state heading into next year.

However, a local state legislator says it's still too soon to tell. State Assemblyman Andy Goodell says the annual spending plan is based on a number of assumptions.

Goodell says if the state keeps spending in line like it has in recent years, the deficit won't be that big. However, he says a lot will be determined by what the state does if the Trump Adminstration decides to halt the Medicare Expansion in the Affordable Care Act.

Goodell says that one plus is the way the stock market has been going, with it now over the 24,000 level. He adds that how bonuses are paid out will also be critical. The state legislative session will begin next week with Governor Andrew Cuomo's state of the State Address.

Winter weather has hindered the Salvation Army of Jamestown from reaching their goal of $112,000 through the annual Red Kettle Campaign.

However, despite the $11,000 shortfall, Captain Kim Merchant says that there is still time to help.

Merchant says that they raised $101,000 through the campaign. She says they added almost 100 more families and children in need to help this year.

Merchant hopes that those who "have" will realize there are many who do not. Additionally, Merchant says that those looking to donate can write checks to the Salvation Army through New Years' Day.

If they don't meet the goal this year, Merchant says that they may have to cut services such as rental assistance for families who need help paying their rent.

Donations can be sent to the Salvation Army of Jamestown at their 83 South Main Street address or call 664-4108.

Gas prices in the Jamestown area have dropped by about four cents to $2.71 for a gallon of regular, unleaded fuel.

That from AAA's weekly gas price report which, says gas inventories in the East Central region have increased by 1.2-million barrels on the week despite an increase in driving demand.

AAA says that prices were 26-cents cheaper at this time last year with a gallon of gasoline priced at $2.47 On the national front gas prices jumped by 2-cents to $2.44.

AAA says the increase at the pump could reflect the increase in driving through the holiday season.

A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting, and seriously hurting a two-month old child on the city's southside.

City police were called to the scene at 98 Myrtle Street about 5 a.m.Tuesday and, found that the child had been taken initially to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital. Officers say following a brief investigation, they arrested 30 year-old Rory Davis, Junior for second-degree assault and, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Police say the child was transferred to Children's Hospital in Buffalo, where the infant is is "very serious condition." Davis is being held pending arraignment in City Jail.

The lake effect snow that has buried parts of the western Southern Tier, including Chautauqua County, will ease up through the morning.

However, we'll be seeing bitterly cold temperatures the next two nights. That from Meteorologist Steve Welch with the National Weather Service in Buffalo, who says our Lake Effect Snow Warning remains in place until 6 p.m.tonight, especially to the north and west of Jamestown.

By late yesterday, Welch says Perrysburg, in Cattaraugus County had received 32-inches of snow from the Christmas snow event. Mayville was also getting above the one-foot mark, along with the Dunkirk-Fredonia area.

We had a couple of lake effect bursts yesterday in the immediate Jamestown-area, which brough about 3 to 4-inches of snow into last evening. Highs today will only make it into the low teens and, lows tonight and, Thursday night will be in the low single-numbers.

Forecasters say a Christmas storm dumped a record amount of snow on the Pennsylvania city of Erie and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service office in Cleveland says the storm brought 34 inches on Christmas Day a new all-time daily snowfall record for Erie.

And another 19 inches fell before dawn Tuesday, bringing the total to 53 inches the greatest two-day total in commonwealth history. The previous record was the 44 inches that fell in Morgantown in March 1958.

The city of Erie issued a snow emergency, citing "dangerous and impassable" roads, and asked residents to stay off city streets until the snow stops and roads can reopen.

State police and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are urging people to avoid travel, citing poor visibility and deteriorating conditions.

There were several strides made in Chautauqua County during the four-years Vince Horrigan was county executive.

However he is also quick to say that others including the county legislature, helped him solve problems. Horrigan noted during his last appearance as executive on our "Community Spotlight" program that he was most proud of the fact that during his tenure government was fairly non-partisan. He says that helped the county made some good strides in economic development.

Horrigan adds that the legislature was able to move forward on a number of fronts, starting with the decision to sell the County Home in Dunkirk and, increase the sales tax by half-a-percent to help plug a six-million dollar "structural deficit" in the county's budget.

However, he says there were also a few disappointments, with the biggest was not being able to do more to deal with the local Heroin and Opioid Drug crisis. Horrigan says the resulting growth in the county jail population has also been troublesome but, he believes the county will soon get it's arms around that issue.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says a special task force created to crack down on illegal tobacco has seized more than $6 million worth of contraband cigarettes and cigars this year.

The Democrat announced Tuesday that the $6.6 million seized in 2017 is $1 million more than what authorities hauled in last year. The contraband included more than 1.5 million illegal cigars and 47,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes.

The state's Cigarette Strike Force also seized 134,000 counterfeit tax stamps and nearly $445,000 in cash. Cuomo says the crackdown resulted in the arrests of 85 cigarette and tobacco smugglers who face more than $7 million in fines. The governor directed the state Tax Department in 2014 to create the strike force to focus on illegal tobacco smuggling and sales.

A long-time radio newsman from New York City who also anchored WJTN's "Medical Journal" for many years, has died.

Lou Adler died last Friday in Meridian, Connecticut at the age of 88. His death at a nursing home, was confirmed by his daughter, Valerie Adler, who said he had Alzheimer’s disease. Adler's program was heard daily on WJTN.

Adler's program covered the gamut of medical conditions, from headaches to transplants. Adler was a 1952 graduate of the SUNY College at Fredonia and, began his radio career in New York in 1959 at WCBS-AM. He worked for CBS as a reporter on radio and, briefly, on television before returning to radio in 1967 as an anchor when the station switched to a news format. He became news director in 1971.

A vehicle struck and killed a horse in the town of Busti this past Monday night.

The Jamestown Post-Journal reports that the crash occurred around 7:30 PM near the intersection of Kortwright and Big Tree Roads. The paper says one person has reportedly been injured in the crash with unknown severity.

A Chautauqua County road crew was called to move the animal from the road. The horse was reportedly dead by the time the crew arrived.

A Gerry man is jailed for allegedly holding his girlfiend and two children at gun-point during a brief stand-off early last weekend.

State Police in Jamestown say they arrested 33 year-old Richard Sendall without incident following the incident, which began about 9:30 a.m. last Saturday on Wilson Road. Troopers say the 31 year-old victim called in the complaint.

State Police set up a perimeter and, Sendall surrendered. The young children were located in good health, along with the woman. Troopers say they seized loaded firearms from the Sendall residence. They arrested him on several charges including second-degree assault, and unlawful imprisonment.

While being booked, Sendall claimed he was having a medical emergency. Troopers administered first aid and he was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for treatment before being arraigned.

An Ashville man has been arrested for allegedly assaulting another person last weekend and, being found in possession of several guns.

Sheriff's deputies say they were called to an undislosed location in the town of Harmony last Saturday night on a report of a person with a weapon. Officers say they also found that 56 year-old Sean Reardon had thrown an object at another person during an argument, injuring them.

Deputies further discovered that Reardon is a convicted felon and, is not allowed to have firearms in his possession. Reardon was arraigned on charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and, third-degree assault and sent to the county jail with bail to be set.

Two Brocton men are accused of assaulting two other people with a large tire and a BB-gun in the village early last weekend.

Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene in the village about 2 a.m.Friday, and found that a male victim had been shot in the face with the BB-gun. Officers say they found that 31 year-old Justin Stalter and 23 year-old Daniel Gilbert started an altercation with the two victims.

They accuse Stalter and Gilbert of first rolling the tire across the road and hitting a female victim, then fired the BB-gun at them. Both victims were struck, with the male getting hit in the face. He was treated for the wound.

Stalter and Gilbert were arraigned on warrants for second-degree assault, harassment, and reckless endangerment and, sent to the county jail with bail to be set.

Infrastruture and development projects in the city of Jamestown will be receiving state funding in the latest round of funding from the western New York Regionial Economic Development Council program.

That from Mayor Sam Teresi, who says the largest allocation, $140,000 will go towards a $700,000 streetscape project on West Second Street. Teresi says it'll take place between Washington and Jefferson Streets, between the Northwest Arena and National Comedy Center.

Teresi says the other $560,000 for the effort will come from a grant from the Gebbie Foundation. He says the city and Jamestown Renaissance Corporation are also receiving an $80,000 grant for an update of the city's 12-year-old Urban Design Plan. Teresi says most of the recommendations in the plan have been implemented.

In addition, Teresi says there'll be a $100,000 grant to put together a new "City Market" where the Renaissance Corporation hold's it's indoor market to create a "year-round" market area in the city. He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group Stations.

Governor Cuomo is proposing new rules for online campaign ads to ensure voters know who is behind the content.

The Democrat said early last weekend that on-line ads should be held to the same scrutiny as traditional campaign advertisements for print, TV and radio. He wants lawmakers to approve rules requiring online ads to include the name of the group paying for the content.

In addition, platforms like Facebook would be directed to maintain a public file containing greater information about campaign ads.

Another aspect of the Tax Reform and Jobs Act that local Congressman Tom Reed likes is doubling the Child Tax Credit to 2-thousand dollars for each child.

Reed says it's part of a two-part boost to American families. The Corning Republican adds that the legislation will also bring "refundability" up to $1,400. Federal officials say that means the credit could reduce your tax liability below zero and you would still be able to receive a tax refund.

Reed believes that will help move more families out of poverty. The cut off for the tax credit would increase from $110,000 to $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. However, the expanded credit ends after 2025. Reed made his comments for his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department Dispatch is announcing that state DOT officials are closing all of Interstate 86 from Stow to the Pa. State line due to impassable driving conditions. Dispatchers say the on ramp closing gates are being lowered at Sherman for I-86 due to the impassable road conditions.

Our change-over from warm-up to a severe cool-down is underway... and, it's wrecking havoc on north county roads... especially the state Thruway. Chautauqua County police dispatchers have sent a number of crews to the superhighway between Ripley and Portland due to a quick change over from wet, to icy conditions. Officials say that'll be the case through the afternoon as colder air moves into the region. There was also some snow with the colder air. Generally... we'll see about 1 to 3 inches of new snow. Forecaster Bob Hamilton with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we are under a Winter Weather Advisory through tonight... and, adds that cooler temperatures will be here for a while as a cold front crosses the region.

Gerace urges motorists to be safe during the Holiday Travel period...

The busy holiday travel period is underway with AAA forecasting that more than 107-million Americans will take to planes, trains, and automobiles now through Monday, January 1st. Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says it's important that motorists think safety while traveling. He says pay attention to weather conditions, buckle your seat belt, put down the phone, and don't drink and drive. With challenging winter weather in the forecast... Gerace says it's important to make sure you vehicle is ready before hitting the highway. He says people often wait until the snow has started falling to get their snow tires on... and, he says make sure your wiper-blades are in good shape.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says taxpayers can soften the blow of the federal tax overhaul by paying some of their local property taxes now so they can deduct the payments from their 2017 federal taxes. The Democratic governor signed an executive order late Friday allowing New Yorkers to pre-pay their 2018 taxes to local governments and schools by January 1st... and claim the deduction on their 2017 taxes. The new tax code will cap the deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000. Some local governments and school districts may have to issue tax warrants or take other steps to accept early payments.

Horrigan pleased to see Cuomo propose initiative to deal with Blue-Green Algal Blooms in Chautauqua Lake...

Outgoing Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan is applauding Governor Cuomo's proposed, $65-million initiative to address algal blooms in several lakes across New York state... including Chautauqua Lake. Cuomo made the announcement late Thursday in Syracuse. He says the "toxic mats" pose a threat to tourism and health in areas around those lakes. Horrigan says his administration has been working hard on ways to eliminate the mats that appear in late Summer on the lake... and, have been working on land management, and installed a closed-sewer system around the lake. Cuomo says the algal bloom problem is "here and now." He says the proposal is a four-step plan to tackle the issue... and, says it will be part of his state of the State Address and budget plan to be released next month. Horrigan says the blooms are difficult to deal with once they begin sprouting up. He says it's very different than dealing with invasive weeds... and, you need to keep working on closed sewer, and farm run-off issues.

Rotary Club to sponsor exhibit at new National Comedy Center...

The Rotary Club of Jamestown is donating $20,000 to sponsor the "Comedy as a Tool for Social Progress" exhibit space in the National Comedy Center. Marketing and Communication Manager Brian Distefano says the interactive video production is based on social change through comedy. Distefano says you'll see stories like Lenny Bruce being arrested for using language that is now considered more acceptable on TV, and others. He says the exhibit will be in the main part of the 35,000 square-foot museum. He says that the Comedy Center is grateful for the donation by the Rotary Club of Jamestown, because they have a long history of supporting successful projects in the city. For more information... visit www.nationalcomedycenter.org.

St. Susan's Center to be open for Christmas Dinner...

Jamestown's largest soup kitchen will be open again on Christmas Day this year. Executive Director Jeff Smith says the St. Susan's Center will be open this Monday -- Christmas Day -- from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., serving a traditional Christmas dinner. All are welcome.

Three northwestern Pennsylvania residents were arrested on drug charges after drug agents allegedly found a large quantity of methamphetamine in a vehicle on the city's eastside Wednesday morning.

Jamestown Police say an officer made a traffic stop at the intersection of East Second Street and Fourth Street. During the traffic stop, officers were advised by dispatch that the operator of the vehicle, 26 year-old Kyle Hedderick of Union City, was wanted on a warrant out of Erie County, Pennsylvania.

While arresting Hedderick, officers say they saw a container of suspected meth inside the vehicle. The passengers were asked to get out, and police found what appeared to be a suspected one-pot meth bottle sticking out from a front seat. The Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and state Police C-CSERT teams were called in to assist.

Police say a search warrant was obtained and inside the vehicle they found 4.3 grams of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of meth oil and drug paraphernalia

Two men have been arrested for allegedly shooting inside a home on Jamestown's southside early Wednesday evening and, endangering the people inside the residence.

City Police Chief Harry Snellings says officers were called to the scene at 164 Barrett Avenue, near the corner with Cowden Place about 7:30 p.m. on a report of "shots fired."

Snellings says they determined that there was a shooting incident, and arrested 35 year-old Douglas Beardsley, and 25 year-old Jarried Dean. He says both face multiple charges.

Snellings says, while in jail, Dean was found to be in possession of two unprescribed Hydrocodone pills. He adds that futher investigation showed that the firearm used in the shooting incident was stolen.

Both men are being held in the city jail pending arraignment. Snellings says the incident was not random but, was a targeted shooting.

The National Weather Service is continuing a Winter Weather Advisory through Noon today for the western Southern Tier.

Forecaster Aaron Reynolds says a warm front moving across the area late yesterday brought some precipitation late last night. He adds there will also be some ice accumulation which could result in a difficult morning commute. He says the biggest concern is for freezing rain, which he says can cause problems you don't see until you're on top of it.

The Weather Service says ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch are expected and, urge drivers to slow down and use caution while on the road.

Jamestown police now say more than one juvenile has been arrested in connection with an "implied threat" against the Jamestown Public Schools Thursday morning that led to a "lock-out" district-wide.

That from City Police Chief Harry Snellings, who confirms the juveniles allegedly made the threat and, school officials were alerted by a concerned parent. Officials then notified the School Resource Officer, who then contacted city police.

Snellings says the lock-out started at 9:55 a.m. and, ran until 10:25 AM. School officials say the lock-out occured out of an "abundance" of caution. No one was hurt.

During a district-wide lock-out, no one is allowed to enter any of the schools. It's not known if the "juveniles" involved were students.

Governor Cuomo says he is proposing a 65-million dollar plan to address algal blooms in several lakes across New York state, including Chautauqua Lake.

The Democrat made the announcement late Thursday in Syracuse. Cuomo says algal blooms, which proved problematic for several areas this past Summer, pose a threat to tourism and health in areas around affected lakes. He says it's a problem that is "here and now. We saw it this year and we don't want to see it in the coming years."

The governor said a four-step, $65 million plan to tackle the issue would be included in his State of the State address and budget proposal at the beginning of 2018. Cuomo's plan calls for a "focused effort" on 12 lakes considered to be most vulnerable to developing algal blooms. Chautauqua Lake is one of three in the western New York region that would get help.

County Legislator George Borrello is less than two weeks away from becoming Chautauqua County's next Executive.

Borrello on Wednesday night received a commendation from the County Legislature for his work as a member of the lawmaking body since 2010. The Irving-area Republican says he's proud of his accomplishments and is ready to get to work.

Borrello says he held his last face-to-face meeting with his transition team earlier this week and, he's looking forward to visiting with 100 local businesses in his first 100 days in office.

Borrello says there will be a swearing-in ceremony at the Chautauqua County Courthouse on New Year's Day as he prepares to succeed Vince Horrigan who is leaving office for retirement.

The man who has been Jamestown City Council president for the past nearly 10 years says he will miss being part of the panel in the new year but, will continue to be active in the local community.

At-Large Councilman Greg Rabb will be overseas when the council hold's it's re-organizational meeting January 8th... so he made some parting remarks at this week's year-end meeting. Rabb thanked the community for his five-terms on council, and he thanked his colleagues on the panel for their hard work.

Rabb also thanked the city's department heads for their hard work and responsiveness to Jamestown's residents and, members of the City Council. He also thanked Mayor Sam Teresi for his work and dedication to the city.

Rabb says sometimes residents don't appreciate what Teresi does, but he thanked him for helping him find "a home" in Jamestown. He also thanked retired City Financial Services Director, and Clerk James Olson, for his dedication and hard work on behalf of the council. He reiterated how pleased he was that council worked towards concensus on all matters before them.

(**News Alert)JPS on "Lock-Out" this morning after "implied threat" made; one arrest made...

A Juvenile is in custody for allegedly making an "implied threat" against the Jamestown Public Schools this morning that led to a "lock-out" district-wide. That from City Police Chief Harry Snellings... who confirms the juvenile allegedly made the threat on social media. Jamestown School officials say the lock-out started at 9:55 this morning... and, ran until 10:25 a.m. School officials say the lock-out occured out of an "abundance" of caution. No one was hurt. During a district-wide lock-out... no one is allowed inside any of the schools.

Chautauqua County lawmakers have approved a proposal to establish an agency to oversee Chautauqua Lake.

By an 18-0 vote, legislators approved the proposed Chautauqua Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Agency with no discussion Wednesday evening.

County Executive Vince Horrigan says it was one of his top priorities as he prepares to leave office at the end of the month. Any recommendations from the agency would have to be acted on by the legislature, including the possible formation of a district.

A city man has been sentenced to seven years in state prison following his conviction for holding another man against his will while in possession of a gun last Spring.

Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 39 year-old Mark Diers was sentenced earlier this month by County Court Judge David Foley on one count of second-degree kidnapping. In addition to the seven years in prison, Diers received five years post-release supervision.

In addition, Swanson says another Jamestown man will spend 4-years in state prison for selling drugs. The D-A says 38 year-old Scott Meachem received the term from Acting County court Judge Paul Wojtaszek for his conviction on two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Swanson says he'll also spend two years in post-release supervision.

Finally, a Forestville man will spend three to six years in prison for third-degree burglary and driving while intoxicated. Swanson says 31 year-old Thomas Brewster received the sentence early this month in county court.

Final approval of the federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act will "ensure" historic tax cuts for "hardworking Americans and launches a new era of economic opportunity, growth and job creation.

Those are the feelings of local Congressman Tom Reed, after the House of Representatives, for the second time in two days, approved the tax reform measure. Reed says it does keep, or enhances, some tax credit programs he believes will promote economic growth in his 23rd Congressional District.

Reed helped craft some of the proposal as part of the House Ways and Means committee, adding that he worked on such legislation for the past seven years. He says "this is a once in a generation opportunity to transform our tax code and spark our economy. Today we have opened the gates to a new wave of optimism and economic prosperity -- and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Reed says the bill cuts tax rates on middle and working class Americans, doubles the standard deduction, doubles the child tax credit and, maintains the state and local tax deduction for income, sales, and property tax up to $10,000.

Demonstrators chanted and protested outside the New York Stock Exchange to protest the Republican's tax overhaul, with more than a dozen people arrested after blocking the exchange's entrance.

The crowd chanted, "Tax the rich, not the poor, we won't take it anymore" and "Kill the bill, don't kill us" as they gathered late Tuesday in New York City's financial district.

They also held signs in the form of gravestones, saying things like "Died to help the rich get richer." Some demonstrators then sat down in front of the exchange, and were arrested after police warnings.

With the holiday season upon us, Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace is warning residents to be cautious of scams.

Gerace says the Sheriff's Office has received multiple reports of recent telephone-based scams, including the "Grandparent Scam." He says the Grandparent Scam usually involves a phone call from someone pretending to be a grandchild or relative in need of emergency assistance. Scammers may also say that the "grandchild" has been involved in an accident or arrested.

Additionally, Gerace says the scammers may pretend to be a lawyer, police officer or a judge, and direct the victim to money transferring services like Western Union. They may also request that the victim purchase an iTunes card to make instant payment to "an attorney" or for bail.

The scammers will use scare tactics to get the victims to comply. If you receive a call like this, Gerace says hang-up and call the police if assistance is needed.

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County is nearing it's general campaign goal of $1.325-million and, there is still time for residents to make "year-end gifts" to it.

That from new United Way Director Amy Rohler, who says the effort is at 84-percent of it's goal. Rohler anticipates wrapping up the campaign by the end of January, and praised the many United Way volunteers who help out with the campaign, and it's various divisions.

Rohler says the volunteers put forth a lot of work and energy to make the campaign a success. She says the emphasis now is on individual "year-end" giving, as most workplace campaigns have now wrapped up.

Campaign Chairwoman Jane Becker says the next few weeks are going to be critical. Becker says "we hope to finish strong and we will not be able to achieve that without the support from our community."

Rohler says 100% of every donation remains in Southern Chautauqua County to support 41 programs at 25 local agencies. For more information, go on-line to UWayscc.org or call 483-1561.

A Jamestown man is jailed without bail on three outstanding warrants after he was found hiding inside a home on the city's eastside Monday afternoon.

City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says officers and members of the JPD SWAT Team were sent to 18 Hedges Street about 2 p.m. after being notified by a woman living there that some property was missing. Samuelson says they then learned that 20 year-old Nyren Graham was spotted there.

Samuelson says they called in the SWAT Team to help locate Graham because the house was also the scene last October of a major drug raid that led to three arrests after three hand-guns, and 27-grams of cocaine was found. He says Graham was wanted by police for a violation of his probation, and warrants for second-degree robbery and grand larceny. He was arrested without incident and, arraigned before being sent to the county jail.

A residents group opposed to the re-opening of the former Jones-Carroll Landfill in the town of Carroll is meeting tonight in the wake of a new effort to buy the Dodge Road facility.

Town Supervisor Jack Jones, Junior says the Carroll concerned Citizens will hold an informational session, press conference at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall to outline it's opposition to the latest proposal by Sealand Waste, LLC to obtain permits to operate the facility.

The Carroll Town Board approved a local law in 2007 that bans any new landfills from being located in the town. Jones says the meeting by the concerned citizens is geared towards making sure everyone in the town knows what's going on and, that they need to voice their opposition to the proposal. He says reopening the landfill to dump construction and demolition debris will destroy their water supply in Carroll, and Frewsburg.

Jones says the state Department of Environmental Conservation opened up a 30-day comment period on Sealand's request for permits to re-open landfill. He says comments will be accepted until January 12.

The glitch in yesterday's House vote on a 2017 Tax and Jobs bill led to cancellation of a telephone conference call with local Congressman Tom Reed, who voted for the bill.

The measure was adopted, 227-to-203 with all but 12 Republicans voting for it. However, three provisions in the GOP's $1.5-trillion tax bill violate Senate rules and will likely be removed before that chamber votes on the measure.

They allow those items to be passed in the Senate with a simple majority of 51-votes. Officials say this means the House will have to vote again on the legislation this morning, once it's been amended and approved by the Senate.

The attorney for a local manufacturer's group has raised several issues with the city of Jamestown's proposed sale of it's wastewater treatment plant to the city's Local Development Corporation.

Those include whether the city, and it's Board of Public Utilities, can make the transaction without a public referendum on the matter. Edward Primo, who is based in Rochester, is representing the Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier. He also argues that having the ratepayers paying off the $16-million being borrowed by the JLDC amounts to "double taxation."

On the need for a public referendum, Mayor Sam Teresi said in a taping for this week's "Community Spotlight" program that they are not talking about selling the "entire" wastewater treatment system.

The proposal calls for just selling one "asset" the plant itself. Teresi says it's a perfectly legal way to raise capital for the cash-strapped city. He adds the Board of Public Utilities would continue to operate the plant.

A man from the village of Brocton was taken to the Chautauqua County lock-up on harrassment and resisting arrest charges Monday afternoon.

Sheriff's Officers say they responded to the area of Central Avenue for a reported harrassment that had occurred. After an investigation, deputies determined that 43 year-old Christopher Small made unwanted physical contact with a victim.

As deputies tried to arrest him, Small physically resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, officers were able to take Small into custody. He was arraigned and sent to jail on 2-thousand dollars cash bail.

The Salvation Army of Jamestown is had a very busy day Tuesday as families participating in holiday services including the Angel Tree program, picked up toys and food for Christmas.

That from Captain Kim Merchant, who says they had some generous donations and anticipated helping more than 600 families this year.

Merchant also says that the annual Red Kettle Campaign was ahead of their goal up until yesterday due to rainy weather conditions.

Merchant says that while they're even with money raised last year she's confident the Salvation Army of Jamestown will reach their goal of $112,000 by December 23.

Merchant says the last day of the Red Kettle Campaign is this Saturday, December 23rd. However, donations can be made with a check by mail or dropped off to the Salvation Army at 83 South Main Street in Jamestown.

Gas prices in the Jamestown-area are holding steady this week, with the cost of regular, unleaded fuel at 2$.75 a gallon.

That from the AAA's latest Gas Price Report, which says four states across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region are paying some of the highest gas prices in the county, including Pennslvania, New York, Washington D-C and Connecticut.

However, prices did decrease on the week across the region. The national average dropped three-cents to $2.43 per gallon, which is $0.12 cheaper than one month ago

City lawmakers have approved a resolution to begin the process of looking into the sale of Jamestown's wastewater treatment plant to the Jamestown Local Development Corporation.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council agreed to begin looking into a plan for the plant's "monetization, infrastructure and budget stablization." Lawmakers heard several people during the earlier comment period raise many concerns over the proposal, which city leaders say would raise about $16-million to support capitol projects, and some operations. Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce says this is just the first-step of what will be a lengthy process.

Dolce says, unlike some residents stated earlier in the meeting, this is "not an 11th hour" resolution but, the start of a process in which the new City Council, the Board of Public Utilities, and the JLDC would all have to sign off on.

Several people some representing businesses or organizations spoke out earlier against the proposed sale of the city's wastewater treatment plan to raise needed money.

The two biggest concerns were that city lawmakers appeared to be rushing the process and, that there are still a number of unanswered questions about the move. Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier Executive Director Todd Tranum says this move does not renew confidence in the business community.

Tranum noted that housing values have dropped in the city, based on what he and his family have paid for two homes in Jamestown, and then later took a loss on their sale.

Local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Representative Dave Wilkinson, says they represent the 15 workers at that plant and, says they deserve some answers about a possible sale's impact. Another business representative, Wayne Rishell, expressed a number of concerns -- including the fact there is no set price yet on the plant itself.

A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly leading city police on a vehicle pursuit into the towns of Ellicott and Ellery early Monday morning.

City police say they initially pulled over 21 year-old Damien Parisi for allegedly driving without his headlights on Camp Street near Hebner Street, about 1 AM. However, officers say Parisi drove off through the city and, the two towns before being stopped on Route 430 near Bemus Point.

Parisi was allegedly found with a quantity of crystal Methamphetamine, and is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful fleeing and several other vehicle and traffic infractions. He was jailed pending arraignment.

The Jamestown man convicted of shooting and killing his estranged wife during a domestic incident just over a year ago will spend the next 25 years in state prison.

Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 37 year-old Keith Robbins received the sentence in county court Monday morning for first-degree manslaughter in the death of his 36 year-old wife, Sheri.

Swanson says he's pleased with the term handed down by County Court Judge David Foley, because is spares the Robbins' children from having to testify in a trial.

Swanson says even if they were able to get a conviction for second-degree murder, Robbins still could have only received a 15 year-to-life sentence. He called the case "heart-breaking" for Keith and Shari Robbins' 12 and 14 year-old children.

Under the plea deal, Swanson says Robbins waived his right to appeal on most aspects of the case. He says Robbins will also spend five-years in post-release supervision. Robbins did not address the court prior to sentencing.

The annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" national crackdown is already underway and, several local police agencies are involved.

That from Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace, who is the county's STOP-DWI campaign coordinator. Gerace says his department receives funding from the state's "Stop DWI Foundation" to help cover their costs to put out extra patrols during such crackdowns.

State Police are also taking part in the campaign, which began last Friday and, continues through New Year's Day, Monday, January 1. Besides sobriety checkpoints and patrols, troopers say they will be watching for distracted drivers, those who are not properly buckled up.

A city man has been jailed on a felony weapons charge after for allegedly displaying a firearm in Jamestown early Sunday morning.

City officers say they responded to a report of a man displaying a firearm at another person in the area of 164 Barrett Avenue before fleeing in a vehicle.

Police say a traffic stop was made after a car matching the description was found. Officers identified the suspect as 30 year-old Shane Corrigan, who they accuse of being in possession of a loaded firearm. He was jailed pending arraignment.

Planning for the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Woodstock concert is already underway, and it's getting a big boost from New York state.

The Poughkeepsie Journal reports the Regional Economic Development Council awards announced earlier this week by Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo include nearly $690,000 dollars for the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original Woodstock Music and Art Fair.

The three-day concert held in August 1969 drew more than 400,000 rock music fans to Max Yasgur's farm in the Sullivan County town of Bethel.

Bethel Woods will use the state funding for the 2019 anniversary event, also planned as a three-day festival. The 11-year-old, 15,000-capacity venue features a 4,500-seat amphitheater with a sloping lawn and a Woodstock museum.

(**News Bulletin) -- Robbins receives 25 years in prison shooting death of his wife in Nov. 2016...

The Jamestown man convicted of shooting and killing his estranged wife during a domestic incident just over a year ago will spend the next 25 years in state prison. Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says 37 year-old Keith Robbins received the sentence in county court this morning for first-degree manslaughter in the death of his 36 year-old wife, Sheri. Swanson says he's pleased with the sentence handed down by County Court Judge David Foley, because is spares the Robbins' children from having to testify in a trial....

The supervisor of a small town in Cattaraugus County and his wife, the town clerk-elect, have been struck and killed by a car. In addition, the driver of the car has been arrested for vehicular manslaughter.

The Post-Journal reports that Michael and Donna Phillips were walking to town hall on Route 353 and North State Street near Salamanca late Friday when they were hit by the car, driven by 27 year-old Kevin Donaldson, Jr. of Cattaraugus.

Sheriff's officials in Little Valley say Phillips and his wife were both killed instantly. No one in the car was seriously injured but, Donaldson is now charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, and one count of driving while intoxicated. He was arraigned and jailed on $20,000 bail.

Michael Phillips ran unopposed for re-election last month as Salamanca town supervisor. Donna Phillips defeated incumbent Rosemary Shadden for town clerk by a vote of 117 to 41.

The GOP tax reform plan that's before Congress was the major topic of discussion during local representative Tom Reed's three town hall meetings across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties on Saturday.

The Corning Republican told the crowd in Kennedy and Silver Creek that such items as the State and Local Tax deduction or SALT, the medical expense deduction, and an increase in the children's tax credit have been included in the final tax bill, which was released last Friday. Reed says with the final plan, most residents would not itemize their taxes.

Reed was asked by a couple of residents in Silver Creek if he had read the final tax bill and why it is being rushed to a vote next week. He said he's read the many bills the GOP has worked on for the past seven years. He says if they delayed a vote to allow "everyone" to read it, he doubts they would ever act on it. During the town halls, Reed noted that a vote is expected in the House on Tuesday.

Residents during the Silver Creek session also brought up concerns about the national debt.

One person stated that the federal tax bill would increase the debt instead of lowering it. Reed said that growing the economy in addition to getting spending under control, is what is critical to solving the debt crisis. He says the $3.8-trillion the federal government spends each year must also come down.

Reed also talked about the repealing of Net Neutrality by the Federal Communications Commission, saying that law was outdated. The town hall meeting in Silver Creek was carried on Facebook Live.

The Cuomo administration says it will award another $100-million to revitalize downtowns in New York state.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the third round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding Friday in a preview of his 2018 State of the State address to be delivered next month.

The state will give awards of up to $10-million to communities in each of New York's 10 economic development regions. Nearly two years ago, Jamestown was among the first recipients of the funding, receiving $10-million for several downtown projects.

His work in sales for a former supermarket chain in western New York has helped retiring Chautauqua Region Community Foundation director Randy Sweeney raise the foundation's profile.

However, Sweeney says the raised profile has helped make the Jamestown-area "the best place it can be." He says the foundation had about 200 different scholarship and other funds worth about 30-million dollars when first arrived in 1997.

That number has grown to about 750 funds and, $94-million. Sweeney had been Vice-President of Sales at Quality Markets before moving to the foundation.

Sweeney will be replaced by outgoing United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Executive Director Tory Irgang on January 1st. He says the transition has gone smoothly, adding that Irgang has a very good understanding and knowledge of the community. He says that's important because the foundation has relationships with "hundreds of individuals." Sweeney made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.

Residents of the Dunkirk City School District are calling for the reinstatement of a School Resource Officer following a recent incident involving the alleged stabbing of a Dunkirk school student.

Parent Devin Freitas addressed the school board late last week, asking them to work quickly at reinstating the position. He is calling on the school board to enhance safety in the District. Superintendent James Tracy says the district is actively looking at possibly reinstating a SRO position.

Tracy says funding does become an issue but, adds that the District is looking at ways to work around the cost factors. The alleged stabbing was not reported to local police, or the media.

A Mayville man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a motorcyclist and injuring three others in a crash last summer in Wyoming County.

The District Attorney's office there says 29-year-old Joshua Huntress pleaded guilty late last week to aggravated vehicular homicide and assault.

Prosecutors say Huntress had taken various controlled substances on July 9th and then attempted to drive from a motel in Warsaw back to Chautauqua County. He was traveling on Route 20A in the town of Orangeville when his vehicle plowed into two motorcycles. A passenger on one, a 66-year-old woman from North Tonawanda, died.

Two people were killed when they were struck by a car in the Cattaraugus County Town of Salamanca early last evening. Sheriff's officers in Little Valley were called to the scene at the intersection of Route 353 and North State Street just after 5:30 p.m., and, found the two victims dead at the scene. No identifies have been revealed. Deputies say the driver of the car was not hurt... but, a passenger was taken to Olean General Hospital for unspecificed injuries. Officers say the accident remains under investigation, and charges are pending.

National Weather Service continues Lake Effect Snow Warning through this afternoon...

The National Weather Service is continuing a Lake Effect Snow Warning through this afternoon for much of southwestern New York... including Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The Weather Service's Buffalo office issued the warning yesterday morning. Forecaster Jim Mitchell says the Dunkirk-Fredonia and Silver Creek areas are getting most of the snow today. He says northern parts of the county will received 2-inches of snow an hour at times before weakening and moving into the Jamestown-area later in the afternoon. Mitchell says snowfall totals will vary widely depending on where the bands set up. He says the Jamestown-area will see another 3 to 5 inches of snow before the system breaks up. Winds have varied in some areas... but, will weaken through the afternoon after gusts reached 30-plus miles an hour last night and overnight. The complete forecast is coming up.

One person found decreased in Fredonia apartment after fire...

An apartment fire at One Temple Square in the village of Fredonia has turned fatal. Fredonia firefighters responded to a general fire alarm around 3 p.m. Friday. Second Assistant Fredonia Fire Chief and Information Officer Kurt Maytum says... when crews reached the scene... they learned about the fire and were able to confined the flames to one room. Maytum adds that's also when they found the victim. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team and a Chautauqua County Coroner were also called to the scene. The name of the victim has not been released at this time. Firefighters had to ventilate smoke from the building before residents could return to their apartments. Fredonia firefighters were assisted by Dunkirk at the scene.

Mayville man pleads guilty to causing death of motorcyclist last Summer...

A Chautauqua County man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of a motorcyclist and injuring three others in a crash last summer in Wyoming County. The District Attorney's office there says 29-year-old Joshua Huntress, of Mayville, pleaded guilty late this week to aggravated vehicular homicide and assault. Prosecutors say Huntress had taken various controlled substances on July 9th and then attempted to drive from a motel in Warsaw to Chautauqua County. He was traveling on Route 20A in the town of Orangeville when his vehicle plowed into two motorcycles. A 66 year-old woman riding on one of the motorcycles suffered fatal injuries. The man she was riding with and the couple on the other motorcycle suffered serious injuries.

Flu Season hitting south hard...

Health officials say the Deep South is among the hardest-hit regions of the nation so far this flu season. In its latest update on influenza activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta identifies seven states reporting widespread flu activity, and all but one are in the South: Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Virginia. The other state reporting widespread influenza activity is Massachusetts. The Georgia Department of Public Health says this year's flu season is likely to be a rough one nationwide.

A vacant, two-story house on Jamestown's eastside had to be torn-down late yesterday morning after flames destroyed the structure during the overnight house fire.

City Fire Battalion Chief Sam Salemme says firefighters were called to the scene at 320 Stowe Street about 3 a.m.Thursday. He says they found a lot of fire coming from the upper floors and attic areas.

Salemme says it took crews about two-hours to bring the flames under control, mainly due to safety issues. He says they had to protect two nearby homes from exposure damage. Salemme says there was some minor damage to one.

Salemme says no one was hurt in fighting the blaze and, an off-shift of 12 firefighters and a shift commander was called in. He says firefighters were there until about 1 p.m.Thursday. The cause is under investigation.

A city man is recovering from a minor stab wound following an altercation involving two other men on Jamestown's southside Wednesday night.

City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the 21 year-old victim was stabbed during the attack in front of 125 Sampson Street shortly after 7:30 PM. However, Samuelson says the victim was targeted. He was treated at UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for his wound.

Samuelson adds the victim is not cooperating and, the two suspects are at-large. If you have any information, call the JPD tips-line at 483-TIPS (8477). You can also leave a message at their Tips 411 phone app.

Today is the last day of open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act for 2018, a deadline even those with insurance should heed.

The open-enrollment window was cut in half this year and the federal budget for advertising it was slashed by 90-percent. But Scott Mulhauser, with Consumers for Quality Care, points out that despite efforts to repeal the program, it's still working. And, it's important for everyone who needs insurance and those already in the marketplace to look at what's available.

With all the negative comments in the news about skyrocketing premium costs, some people may believe marketplace insurance is now simply unaffordable. Mulhauser acknowledges that costs have gone up but, he adds subsidies have also gone up in some places. Navigators are available to help consumers pick the right plan.

Mulhauser adds that some policies may change their prescription plans, their co-pay or co-insurance requirements. To enroll or change your plan in New York, you can go to NYStateofHealth.NY.gov

There would be no closure of West Second Street in Jamestown under the proposed expansion of the Northwest Arena in at the corner with Lafayette Street.

That from Arena Board Co-Chairman Dave Leathers, who addressed city Council earlier this week about the city's proposed sale of that right of-way area to the Arena.

Leather discussed plans for the addition, which would add office space, and a kid's zone area to the arena. Mayor Sam Teresi reiterated what Leathers said and that is there would be no permanent closure of that part of West Second.

The City Council will vote next Monday on selling that small strip of the West Second Street right of way at Lafayette Street to the arena for the proposed expansion.

However, Teresi and Leathers noted that the project is contingent on obtaining that property. One the move has been agreed to, they say formal plans will go before the City Planning Commission for final site plan approval.

The annual Community "Holiday Haul" to benefit the St. Susan's Center in downtown Jamestown is underway and, collecting donations of food stuff and money through Saturdayafternoon.

Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin is back at the Jamestown Cycle Shop in Brooklyn Square for the event, which brings in food and other kitchen items to the St. Susan's Center.

Martin says they've set up the Jamestown Mattress Company truck in front of the Cycle Shop and, he says it was empty to begin with. However things started picking up later.

Martin says he'll be having members of various JCC sports teams and others on hand for this year's Holiday Haul. He says he hope to raise more than the $14,000 in money they received last year.

Martin says he'll be back at the Jamestown Cycle Shop today from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and, will be back there again tomorrow from 7a.m. to 3 p.m.

The state Health Department says influenza is now prevalent in New York state, which means health care workers who haven't had a flu shot must wear procedural masks around patients.

Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker says everyone over 6 months old is encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as possible. He says the vaccine is especially important for people at high risk of complications from flu, including children under 2, pregnant women and adults over 65.

Flags at Dunkirk City Hall were lowered to half mast on Wednesday in memory of former Mayor Richard Frey who died at the age of 86.

Frey served 10 years as the mayor of Dunkirk, from 2002 to 2012. Officials say a Memorial Mass will be held Monday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Ten economic development regions in New York state are splitting $755-million in state funding.

Governor Andrew Cuomo made the annoucement at an event in Albany on Wednesday. The money will support hundreds of local economic development efforts, including job training, subsidies for expanding businesses and funding for community organizations.

Cuomo says this latest round of funding, along with others in the past, will be a critical point in the history of the upstate region.

This year's big winners in the Regional Economic Development Council awards include central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and, the Albany region, which each received more than $80 million. Western New York received $68.8-million for a total of 112 projects, just over 20 are in Chautauqua County.

Under Governor Cuomo, the state has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to the 10 regions based on economic development proposals they submit to the state.

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan says he's "very pleased" to see 23 local projects receiving about $9.5-million in Regional Economic Development Council funding.

Horrigan was not in Albany for the announcement, but says he was pleased with the variety of projects awarded and, adds that twice as many projects received funding this year compared to 2016.

The bigger dollar awards are mainly for sewer projects around Chautauqua Lake. Horrigan says $5-million will go towards extending service through the town of North Harmony the the westside of the lake. However, he says the county will still have to raise some additional dollars for that.

Horrigan adds that another $1-million will go towards providing closed sewer services in the Chautauqua Heights area near DeWittville. He adds that Sinclairville is getting one-million dollars for water system improvements there. Improvements to the Jamestown Chadakoin River Watershed for the riverwalk project will be receiving just over $313,000.

One person has died in a house fire that occured in eastern Cattaraugus County about mid-afternoon Tuesday.

State Police in Olean were called to the scene on Cooper Hill Road in the town of Humphrey about 2:45 p.m. and, once fire crews had the blaze under control, they discovered a body inside.

The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Cattaraugus County Fire Investigators say the fire appears accidental and, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cattaraugus County coroner. The body will be examined by the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office in Buffalo for cause of death and identity.

This is still an active investigation.

Gas prices in the Jamestown-area are holding steady this week, with the cost of regular, unleaded fuel at $2.75 a gallon.

That from the AAA's latest Gas Price Report, which says that's about $0.36 a gallon more at this time last year. However... compared to one month ago, motorists are paying less for a gallon of gasoline.

Triple-A says with a 2.4-million barrel build the region sits at 58.4-million barrels. It's the largest amount of inventory carried since the beginning of September for the region. Nationally, prices at the pump are down $0.02 on the week at $2.46. According to the Energy Information Administration, demand is just under 9-million barrels per day for the second week in a row.

Looking ahead, AAA says that drivers can expect prices to decrease as the fall demand for fuel tapers off.

Three men face drug-related charges after authorities attempted to serve a New York State Parole arrest warrant on New Road in the town of Dunkirk earlier this week.

Officers from State Parole, Dunkirk Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office went to 3647 New Road to serve the warrant about 8 p.m.Monday.

That from Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano, who says a search warrant was executed and that's when the illegal drugs were discovered and, two others Jonathan Linger, and Martin Wisniewski.

Hawkins, who has a Fredonia address, has been charged with resisting arrest, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and, unlawful possession of marijuana along with the parole arrest warrant.

Linger and Wisniewski have both been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and, unlawful possession of marijuana.

All three were arraigned in Sheridan Town Court and sent to the County Jail without bail.

The commitment of Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Director Randy Sweeney to the Robert H. Jackson Center was honored during a special program Tuesday evening at the center.

Sweeney will retire at the end of this year from the Community Foundation. But, Jackson Center co-founder Greg Peterson says Randy has played important roles at the Jackson Center, as well.

Sweeney says the Jackson Center, founded in 2001, showed him just how difficult it is to start and then sustain something new. He says you "just can't snap your fingers."

Tuesday's reception concluded with a Greg Peterson interview of Randy Sweeney, that will be posted on the Jackson Center's youtube page.

The Lake Effect Snow machine cranked out a few inches of the white stuff by mid-evening last night and snowfall totals were getting near a foot in some places in western New York.

By mid-evening last night, the National Weather Service reported about 10.5 inches in Perrysburg while Mayville was reporting seven to eight inches. Forecasters are continuing a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Chautauqua County through 7:00 tonight.

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace says there were a number of crashes Tuesday morning due to the heavy snow in spots.

Gerace says they have the "procrastinators that wait until we get a storm like this to get their cars equiped with snow tires." He says drivers have to slow down and, give themselves more time to stop at intersections. He adds make sure to buckle-up and when the snow is falling, use your headlights.

Yesterday's tricky conditions led to a tractor-trailer accident on Route 394 in the town of North Harmony. Sheriff's Department dispatchers say the crash occured shortly after 1 p.m. when the tractor slid off the road and into a ditch.

Route 394 from Interstate 86 to Ramsey Road was closed a few hours while the scene was cleared. The driver was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Voters in the Southwestern Central School District have approved a pair of propositions that will allow the next phase of renovations and upgrades to all district buildings.

That from School Superintendent Maureen Donahue, who was pleased with the final vote on the $12.6-million capital improvement project, which also includes a $1.3-million Energy Performance Project that will include outfitting all facilities with LED lighting. She says work begins on the projects this morning.

Donahue says there is also some infrastructure work that's part of the capital improvements, including electrical, heating and wastewater work. She says there will be some outside improvements, such as a new roof for the elementary school building. Vote totals were not available last night.

New York's junior U.S. Senator is pushing back against President Trump after calling on him to resign in the wake of renewed sexual misconduct allegations against him.

White House Press secretary Sarah Sanders had promised to provide a list of eyewitnesses and evidence to exonerate Trump. Trump Tuesday tweeted that Gillibrand would come to his office "begging" for campaign contributions and "do anything" to get them.

Gillibrand said Trump's attack was a "sexist smear" to try and silence her. During a conference call yesterday afternoon, the New York Democrat again called on Trump to resign over past allegations of sexual misconduct.

Back to the rebuttals, nearly 24 hours after saying the White House would provide them to the media it released just two accounts. One was about Trump allegedly groping a woman on a plane in the 1970s, the other that he behaved inappropriately in a beauty pageant dressing room. However, they only cited news reports quoting eyewitnesses.

The joint conference committee on tax reform is quickly moving towards final reconcilation of a measure that can be voted on by both the House and Senate.

However, local Congressman Tom Reed says there is still a lot of misinformation out in the public about the measure, which he says will put $1,600 in the pockets of a typical family in his Southern Tier district.

Reed says that's due to the doubling of the standard deduction on the basic tax form and he says that should save money for 99-percent of the residents in his district. One of the biggest concerns in New York state is the future of the State and Local Property Tax deducton, which is taken out of the tax code.

However, Reed says the provision he pushed for, to write-off property taxes up to $10,000, is in both the House and Senate versions. He expects a vote shortly, possibly by the end of the week.

City police say they were called to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for a stab victim. Investigation revealed at 38 year-old Rochelly Alvarez attempted to stab the victim with a knife, hitting and cutting the victim on her hands several times.

The victim sufferred minor lacerations. Alvarez was taken to city jail pending arraignment.

The Salvation Army of Jamestown is well on it's way to raising it's just over $100,000 goal for the annual Red Kettle Campaign this year.

Captain Kim Merchant says the "kettle" drive seems to be holding its own and is at about the same place at last year at this time. She says it's "wonderful" but, the Salvation Army still has 100 outstanding Angel Tree tags.

The program ensures children in needy families get presents for Christmas. Merchant adds there is still time to send in gifts, but the deadline is under a week away, December 18.

Merchant says there are 630 families receiving gifts through the program. Senior citizens participating receive food baskets with everything needed to make a Christmas meal, including Ham and Turkey, and all the trimmings. She says the food baskets also include items to help people get through a few more days past the holiday season, such as soup and cereal.

Merchant says you can drop gifts off at their front office between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.. For more information, call 664-4108.

Upstate Republican state Assemblyman Brian Kolb says he will run for New York governor next year.

The lawmaker from Canandaigua, has led the GOP minority in the Assembly for eight years and was first elected in 2000. Kolb confirmed his plans Tuesday morning on Rochester's WHAM-1180 radio ahead of a formal announcement expected later in the day.

Cuomo is considered a possible White House contender but says he plans to seek a third term in 2018. Kolb has acknowledged that beating Cuomo will be a challenge.

Cuomo is a prodigious fundraiser and his party has a big advantage in voter registration in New York. Other potential candidates in 2018 include Democrat Stephanie Miner, the outgoing mayor of Syracuse; Republican businessman Harry Wilson; and Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco of Syracuse.

Most of Western New York is now under a Lake Effect Snow Warning through 7 p.m.Wednesday, including Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties.

That from the National Weather Service in Buffalo, which issued the warning early yesterday afternoon. A general snowfall began last night and, will change to Lake Effect today. By Wednesday night, Forecaster Jon Hitchcock in Buffalo says we may see upwards of a foot of new snow inland from Lake Erie.

Hitchcock says, after about 2-inches of general snow overnight, and another 2 inches this morning, we'll see the Lake Effect machine start up, with enhancement from Lake Huron. Due to that, he says the lake effect totals could be significant in some places.

A proposal by the city of Jamestown to sell it's wastewater treatment plant to the city's Local Development Corporation to raise about $16-million in capitol for the city is meeting with some resistance.

The proposal was discussed at the Finance Committee meeting last night and later at the City Council's work session. Resident Greg Lindquist says he has serious concerns because the JLDC is the "lending arm" of the city, and that could jeopardize it's $3.3-million in lending funds.

Lindquist adds that while he wants lower property taxes, he doesn't want to see the city's future "leveraged" to accomplish that. Executive Director Todd Tranum with the Manufacturer's Association of the Southern Tier called the move a "reckless scheme " and, says their lawyer believes there would have to be a public vote on the proposal.

Tranum also noted that state courts several years ago, struck down a similar move proposed for New York City. City lawmakers were given a lengthy presentation at last week's meeting by Bond Counsel Kenneth Bond about the plan.

After the Manufacturer's Association noted that their legal counsel is looking at whether the city needs to hold a public vote on selling the wastewater treatment plant, council members were advised not to speak about the matter last night.

City Corporation Counsel Marilyn Fiore-Lehman noted that MAST Director Todd Tranum had brought up that their legal counsel was involved, and would be talking with the city soon. She recommended against commenting at last night's meeting. With that, council members moved on to other business on their agenda.

A lot of water was lost during last Saturday morning's major water main break in downtown Jamestown.

That from Board of Public Utilities Spokeswoman Becky Robbins, who says the break was first discovered about 7 a.m. when water broke through the pavement at the intersection of Third and North Main Streets.

Robbins says temporary repairs were made by late Saturday on the break, which also caused the Smith Avenue Pump Station to shut-down. She says that caused low water pressure in the downtown especially the south side for several hours.

Robbins says they received several calls about water in the street, and some flooded basements. The water was reportedly running downhill from Third Street to Harrison Street in Brooklyn Square.

The county lawmakers will consider a measure to create a new umbrella organization to oversee efforts to get funding to help with weed control on Chautauqua Lake.

Legislature committees meet this week and, will consider creation of a Chautauqua Lake Rehabilitation and Improvement Agency. County Executive Vince Horrigan says the agency would then move forward on creating a "lake district".

Horrigan says there are currently "many not-for-profits and other organizations" that peform weed management work and, other tasks. However, he says there needs to be a "central agency" that has the ability to go out and get "dedicated funding" for their work.

Horrigan says, given the difficulties on the lake this past Summer, the time is right. He says he's talked to both lake property owners, and members of local lake organizations. Horrigan says the proposal to creat the Rehabilitation and Improvement Agency will go before the Planning and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday.

The full legislature meets for the final time in 2017 on Wednesday, December 20.

Voters in the Southwestern Central School District are voting today on a proposed, $12.6-million capital project to make several improvements and upgrades to all three educational buildings.

School Supeintendent Maureen Donahue says there would also be upgrades to the district's bus garage. Donahue says two parts of the overall project include new facilities or additions to the elementary school, including a cafateria addition. She says there'll also be plumbing and heating work done.

An energy efficient lighting portion will be part of a $1.3-million Energy Performance Contract that's included in the referendum. Donahue says most of the lighting fixtures will be retrofitted for LED lighting. However, she adds some may be so old they can't be.

Donahue adds that in the middle school, there would be upgrades to the athletic fields and, new student lockers. She says the district wants to take advantage of 95% state aid for the construction work, and 90% for the energy efficient projects. Voting today runs from 7-9 a.m. and, 2-8 p.m.in the high school auditorium.

A woman had to be flown to an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital with serious injurues after being dragged by a vehicle during a domestic dispute in Falconer early Sunday night.

Ellicott Police say they responded to a report that a female victim had been struck by a car in the area of South Work and East Main Streets. On arrival, officers found 38 year-old Shawn Arnold was involved in an argument with the 38 year-old victim. During that, the victim tried to get into the vehicle Arnold was driving when he back up and dragged her a short distance.

The victim then fell to the ground and he ran her legs over with his vehicle. The woman was treated at the scene by Falconer Fire rescuers for several serious injuries and she was flown to UPMC Hamot Medical Center.

Officers say Arnold left the scene, but was later found and arrested. He was arraigned and sent to County Jail without bail.

A woman had to be flown to a nearby trauma center after she was struck by a vehicle on Main Street in Falconer late yesterday.

Chautauqua County Sheriff's dispatchers say Falconer fire rescue crews were called to the scene about 4:30. The unidentified woman, who was walking at the time, was taken to a staging area to be flown to the hospital. No other information was available Monday morning.

Four people suffered serious injuries when a Jeep Waggoner struck a skid-steer vehicle from behind on Route 430 in the town of Chautauqua early last Friday night.

Sheriff's deputies say 33 year-old Larry Houser of Westfield was northbound in his Jeep about 5:45 PM when he came upon the Skid Steer, which was traveling in the same direction. However, officers say the operator of the skid steer, 40 year-old John Weaver of Lineville, Pennsylvania, went to make a left turn into a driveway, and was struck from behind by Houser's Jeep.

Deputies say Weaver was flown by Starlight to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania. In addition, his passenger, 22 year-old John Baker of Mayville, along with Houser and his passenger, 28 year-old Tony Long of Mayville were all taken by ambulance to Hamot for their injuries. No charges have been filed.

Despite a number of fiscal challenges, the city of Jamestown has been able to retain it's good credit rating for another year.

That from Mayor Sam Teresi, who recently reported to the city council that Standard-and-Poor's let them know last week that their rating remained an A-Minus. Teresi adds that S-and-P also gave Jamestown a "stable outlook." He says it helps not only the city borrow money at a lower interest rate, but the Board of Public Utilities also.

Teresi thanked Standard-and-Poor's for it's confidence in the city and thanked others on his administrative team for preserving their bond rating at an "A" level. He specifically named four people, led by Comptroller Joe Bellitto, City Administrative Services Directors Todd Thomas and the retired James Olson and Corporation Counsel Marilyn Fiore-Lehman.

Teresi says keeping a good bond rating in New York faces challenges, including never ending mandates handed down by New York state, and having to deal with the state's 2% property tax cap..

In New York state government news, Governor Andrew Cuomo has settled on a traditional state of the state address after shaking things up last year.

The Democratic governor plans to deliver his speech before lawmakers in Albany on January 3rd, the first day of the 2018 legislative session. Last year, following a period of tense relations with lawmakers, Cuomo took the state of the state on the road, with a series of speeches around the state.

Cuomo will use the speech to lay out his agenda for 2018. Meanwhile, Democratic Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda has introduced legislation to allow young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children to keep their driver's licenses after the federal program protecting them from deportation ends in 2018.

Temporary repairs were made by late Saturday on a major water main break in the heart of downtown Jamestown.

Board of Public Utilities Water Division crews were called to the scene at the corner of Third and North Main Streets about 8 AMSaturday and found water flowing from the break.

BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says they received several calls about water in the street, and a couple of flooded basements. The water was reportedly running downhill from Third Street to Harrison Street in Brooklyn Square.

Robbins says water pressure was very low in the city until repairs were made by the afternoon. There was discolored water in the system through mid-day Sunday.

The Albany Times-Union reports Friday that FBI investigators have questioned people who were hired to work for the governor, but who on paper were listed as working for other state agencies. That's a move that makes the Democrat's staff and budget look smaller than they really are.

Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi confirmed Friday that the administration received a subpoena months ago and has cooperated by providing documents. Azzopardi called the investigation a "charade."

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer wrapped up another tour late last week of New York's 62 counties with a call for greater federal help for the state's craft beer industry.

The Democrat visited a Columbia County brewery to discuss efforts to add New York to a list of states eligible for a crop insurance program for farmers who grow malt barley. Schumer says malt barley is a risky proposition in New York. He says that giving New York farmers greater crop insurance options will encourage more farmers to grow it.

Demand for locally grown malt barley is expected to increase as brewers look for local ingredients to use in their beer. Friday's visit to Columbia County, east of Albany, makes this the 19th year Schumer has visited each of the state's counties.

BPU Water crews continue work to repair major water main break in downtown Jamestown...

Water division crews with the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities are still working at the location of a major water main break at the corner of Third and North Main Streets this morning. BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says crews were called to the scene about 8 a.m., and found the street in that area flooded with water all the way to Harrison Street in Brooklyn Square. However... BPU Robbins says water pressure in the City should be back to normal now. She adds that water is expected to be discolored through the overnight, and in some cases, until Noon tomorrow.

Amiran presented County Chamber's Lydic Award at annual meeting...

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting in the city of Dunkirk yesterday afternoon. As part of the annual meeting, the Chamber presented the annual Pam Lydic Coalition Builder award to Dr. Minda Rae Amiran. The retired SUNY Fredonia English professor has been an active community leader, involved in such groups as the League of Women Voters and Literacy Volunteers of America. Dr. Amiran says it's a great honor that she believes could go to so many others, but, she adds that she it grateful "for the recognition." The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce also approved its Board of Directors during the meeting. President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Tranum says 2017 was a strong year for the Chamber... especially in regards to building membership, and programs for members. The new Chairman of the County Chamber Board is Brian Bugaj of Nestle Purina... and, Curt Anderson of Standard Portable is now Immediate Past President. The rest of the slate of officers include Vice Chair Fred Johnson of Johnson Estate Winery... Treasurer Neil Frederick of Bush Industries; and Secretary Ann Abdella, Chautauqua County Health Network.

Schumer visits 62nd county in NYS for another year...

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has completed another tour of all 62 New York counties with a call for federal assistance for the state's burgeoning malt barley industry. The Democrat visited a brewery in Columbia County on Friday to urge U.S. agriculture officials to make New York eligible for special federal crop insurance for malt barley, a critical component in the production of craft beer. The trip completes Schumer's goal of visiting each county in the state this year.

TRC Foundation dissolved into Community Foundation...

In an effort to strenghten its six funds... the TRC Foundation has been dissolved by The Resource Center... and it's assets have been transferred to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in Jamestown. The move was jointly announced Friday morning by TRC President and Chief Executive Officer Denise Jones... and, Community Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney. Sweeney says they had discussed the move with TRC officials for more than a year... and, he says the transfer was seamless. He says it will relieve the TRC Foundation of having to pay out the cost to administer the funds. In a press release... TRC Foundation Chairman Randy Ordines noted that the Community Foundation brings "a vast amount of experience in fund and investment management planned giving, and fund development. Sweeney says the TRC advisory board would remain in place... and, still provide access and input on the funds. He says those six funds include the TRC Foundation Fund... the Laurel Run Fund... and, the Kathy Seastedt "Look Good" Fund. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation holds nearly 750 funds... and, $94-million in assets. The TRC Foundation transferred about $2.2-million to the Community Foundation to be administered.

Sexual Assault funds set aside in NYS...

New York state is investing $6.5 million in efforts to reduce sexual assault and offer help to victims. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the funding on Thursday. It will support a total of 55 programs around the state, including rape crisis hotlines, counseling and therapy for victims, professional training for victim advocates and prevention campaigns in schools and on college campuses. Cuomo says the money will give a boost to vital services and help reach more New Yorkers struggling with the aftermath of a sexual assault.

The first major Lake Effect Snow event of the Winter is continuing in the Jamestown-area for a short-time more this morning.

The snow started coming early last evening and, continued through the overnight. A Lake Effect Snow Warning continues for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Southern Erie counties until 7 a.m. today.

Forecaster Bob Hamilton with the National Weather Service's Buffalo Office said the lake effect snow fired up to the north late Wednesay and, by 6:00 last night, Silver Creek had a foot of snow on the ground.

About three to four inches of snow was seen in the Mayville area early last evening. The major lake effect snow band set up between Fredonia and Hamburg, just south of Buffalo during the day-time hours yesterday.

Some places may see upwards of a foot to a 1.5 feet of snow by the time it ends in the Buffalo area tonight.

Chautauqua County snowplow crews are ready to go for the change-over to Winter Weather conditions and, all 30 pieces of equipment are ready to go.

That from County Executive Vince Horrigan, who says he was at the Department of Public Facilities Sherman shop last night to see the crew's readiness. Horrigan says they're set for whatever amount of snow we receive.

Horrigan says the 21,000 tons of salt sounds like a lot, but he says some of that salt goes to other local municipalities who go in with the county to purchase road salt in bulk from the state. He says it's sometimes difficult to predict how much is needed because the county wraps up it's fiscal year needing a certain amount of salt, then needs to start the following year with a certain amount as well.

Horrigan says local motorists should make sure to give plow crews plenty of room to do their work, and slow down when they come upon a working plow on the roads. He made his comments for this coming weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.

The Cockaigne Ski Center has now officially been sold to two local men who hope to rebuild the lodge and, have the ski area open in time for the 2018 season.

That from State Assemblyman Andy Goodell who is also the Jamestown area attorney for Adam Pirtz and Isaac Gratto. Goodell tells the Jamestown Post-Journal that this is "great news for our county."

A January 2011 fire destroyed the Austrian Pavilion lodge and, the ski resort opened 10 days later to finish the season but did not reopen thereafter.

Deputies with the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office will soon be driving in new vehicles that are of a different make and design and, so far reviews have been good.

Sheriff Joe Gerace say the first of the new vehicles was put into service Wednesday and, he says the Chevrolet Impala vehicle they used the past more than a decade is being replaced.

Gerace says Chevrolet has pulled the Impala from its line of police vehicles, so he decided on the Ford Inteceptor vehicles with a black and gold color.

Gerace says they had used a red and white color for the old Impala's for nearly 15 years. He says they chose the Ford Interceptor for a number of reasons.

One of those reasons is that it gives deputies more room for the equipment they carry, which now includes portable defibrillators and other EMT equipment. Gerace says the red and white cars will continue to be used until the full conversion is complete.

The annual "Toys for Tots" program to provide new toys for children in needy families in Chautauqua County is going very well but, they still need items for one particular age group.

The effort, supported by The Resource Center, has seen a flurry of activity in recent days but, one of the coordinators, Heather Brown, says they're into their final week of collecting toys in the area.

Brown says while they have a lot of toys for most age groups, they are in dire need of toys for teenaged boys. She says they have some clothing and sport items but, not that much.

Brown says they hand out toys for kids 0 to 17 years of age. She says there are several local stores and restaurants that are collecting, as well as their headquarters in the Allied Alarm Building at 2020 Allen Street Extension. She says that's where they'll be distributing toys starting on December 16 and, they can use volunteers for that.

If you're interested in helping out, call Heather Brown at 661-1042 or go to The Resource Center's website for more information.

A man from Westfield faces charges following a motor vehicle accident in the town of Chautauqua for allegedly driving while under the influence of drugs Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene of a single car crash near 63-98 Route 394 just after 3:30 PM. On arrival, officers say 54 year-old Kevin Kelley was driving northbound when he left the roadway and, came to rest in a field. A witness at the scene told officers that Kelley had been driving erratically prior to the crash.

Following the investigation, Kelley was reportedly operating under the influence of drugs and he was arrested. Kelley was also found to be in possession of a controlled narcotic medication without prescription. He was also charged with seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, as well as several traffic tickets. He is to appear in court in January.

North county officials are disappointed by the news that Peebles on Vineyard Drive in Dunkirk will be closing next month.

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas says he had first heard about the closing nearly a week ago.

The store is expected to close its doors on January 20. About 10 associates work at the Dunkirk-area store.

Rosas says he intends to work with incoming County Executive George Borrello to come up with a plan to bring new development to the area. It's the second store to close in the Dunkirk area in less than a year. JC Penney at the D&F Plaza also closed earlier this year.

The New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse could end up hosting more events year-round.

The state said Wednesday that it's seeking a private company to book events at the fairgrounds and its planned expo center starting next summer. Construction of the 136,000-square-foot expo center is expected to begin this month.

The state's request for proposals seeks a contractor that would book at least 20 events in the expo center by the end of 2019. Three of those events would also have to use other fairground facilities.

A city woman is now listed in critical condition following a domestic violence incident on Jamestown's eastside Tuesday night in which her husband allegedly doused her with lighter fluid, and set her on fire.

City police were called to the scene at 210 Thayer Street about 11:40 p.m. on a report of a domestic incident. Officers say they found the victim, as well as the suspect identified as 37 year-old Luis Castro-Mojica.

The unidentified, 27-year-old victim was rushed to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital, then flown to the burn unit at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

Police say Castro-Mojica is charged with first-degree assault, and other charges are pending.

Western New York is in the midst of the first major lake effect snow event of the season.

The National Weather Service is continuing a Lake Effect Snow Warning for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Southern Erie counties until 7 AMFriday. Meteorologist Bob Hamilton with the Weather Service's Buffalo Office said the lake effect snow fired up to the north yesterday afternoon.

Areas north of Chautauqua Lake to Little Valley and southern parts of Wyoming County saw two to four inches. Hamilton says those same areas could see an additional three to six inches today, and another three to six tonight. He says Jamestown may see less than two inches in the next 24 hours.

Hamilton says the most affected areas will be north of Jamestown. Total snow accumulations of six to 11 inches are expected in the most persistent lake snows.

The Jamestown City Council will vote later this month to sell a small piece of West Second Street to the Northwest Arena for an expansion project for the facility.

That after council members discussed a resolution to sell the property, contingent on the arena addressing seven to eight areas of concern.

Some of those were brought up by Planning Commission citizen member Jeff Nelson, who spoke before lawmakers at this week's work session. Nelson says the preliminary plans so far are rather incomplete.

At least one member of the city council echoed Nelson's concerns especially regarding traffic on the city's westside when major events like the recent Christmas Parade take place.

While Nelson called for the proposal to be sent back to the planning commission for further discussion Mayor Sam Teresi noted that this measure is just on the sale, which is contingent on addressing the issues raised by the commission.

While the city council will vote on the sale at it's December 18 meeting, it was not stated when the planning commission will meet again on the project.

New York state lawmakers are back in Albany to discuss their plans for the 2018 legislative session, and they're already warning of difficult decisions in the months to come.

Members of the state Assembly's Democratic majority gathered at the state Capitol Wednesday. Senate Democrats held their own private meeting outside the building.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie of the Bronx says federal funding cuts to health care programs, probably changes to the federal tax code and a projected $4-billion state deficit will likely force legislators to make tough choices when it comes to the state budget.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo is also preparing for the new year, announcing Wednesday that he'll deliver his state of the state address on the opening day of the session January 3.

A conference committee of the U-S Senate and House of Representatives will now begin work on a final tax reform proposal now that the Senate has approved moving it to the joint panel.

Some GOP lawmakers have been critical of the overall measure, but local Congressman Tom Reed says he's pushing hard for some items and, is willing to compromise on others.

The Corning Republican says he continues to push to keep the local property tax deduction in place up to $10,000. That's something here's heard a lot about from peple in his 23rd Congressional District.

Reed says while he's not a member of the conference committee he's been able to "wield" some influence as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

The House bill approved last month includes a deduction up to $10,000, but the Senate bill does not. There's also been some concern over possible loss of tax credits to purchase health insurance from the New York Exchange.

However, Reed says the legislation only repeals the individual mandate.

The governors of California and New York are mounting a final effort to derail the GOP tax plan, which they say would devastate their states and the national economy.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, California Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Phil Murphy of New Jersey, all Democrats held a conference call with reporters to discuss the tax overhaul's impacts on their states.

They're particularly upset with a provision that eliminates the deduction for state and local taxes. Cuomo and Murphy said opponents are examining potential legal challenges to the tax bill when and if it is signed into law.

Cuomo says he will call for its repeal as soon as it is enacted. Brown said the immediate focus is on convincing Republicans to reconsider before approving the bill's final version.

After starting up an anonymous online bullying report form earlier this Fall, the Jamestown school board addressed the bullying issue in the school district again at Tuesday night's meeting.

Superintendent Bret Apthorpe says the actions by the school and community are designed to provide a "safe climate" for students.

Apthorpe says since the beginning, 85 reports have been made and 33 have been deemed "material" by professionals, meaning legitimate bullying or harrassment events. He says that it's reassuring that the reporting systems build connections between professionals and students to help work through their situations.

Additionally, Apthorpe says that students have started an anti-"Bully Club" in the high school are currently reviewing apps that students can use on their phones to report instances of bullying.

The National Weather Service has now issued a Lake Effect Snow Warning for most of Western New York from 7:00 this evening, through early Friday.

That from Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the Weather Service's Buffalo office who says the prime areas for snow will be Northern Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, and Southern Erie counties.

A strong cold front crossed the area late yesterday with lake effect snow impacting the Buffalo metro area first before moving into the Southern Tier late tonight through Thursday. Hitchcock says there is still a little uncertainty.

Total snow accumulations of 9 to 18 inches are possible in the most persistent lake snows causing travel to become very difficult at times.

The greatest snow amounts will be across northern portions of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties and Southern Erie county. We will continue to follow developments.

There is some bi-partisan movement being made towards getting a two-year agreement in place to fund the federal government's military and non-military operations.

That from local Congressman Tom Reed, who co-chairs the Congressional 'Problem Solvers Caucus' made up of both Republicans and Democrats. Reed says that the Problem Solver's have reached a consensus on a two-year commitment, which he calls "responsible governing".

Reed says to him, the most important part of the two-year agreement in the bi-partisan caucus is that it adequately funds the military for the next two years. Safety issues have arisen in the U.S. Navy with several fatal accidents with equipment over the past year.

Officials say that's from the effects of budget cuts in recent years due to "sequesteration." The Corning Republican says this agreement overrides sequestration. He made his comments during his weekly telephone conference call with Southern Tier Media.

A city woman is jailed for allegedly assaulting a man during a domestic incident last Sunday on the city's eastside, during which she was holding a six-month old child.

City police were called to the scene at 237 Crescent Street shortly after 7 a.m. on a report of a domestic violence incident. When officers arrived, they were told that 21 year-old Toni Lynn Hubbard had grabbed the male victim by the throat, punched him several times and bit him on the arm.

She's also accused of trying to push the victim down the stairs while holding the child. They also learned the victim had a valid order of protection against Hubbard and, she was arrested on charges including third-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment and, criminal obstruction of breathing.

All three entities involved would have to vote first to allow the city of Jamestown to sell it's wastewater treatment plant to the city's Local Development Corporation to raise roughly $16-million in "working capital."

That from Mayor Sam Teresi and the city's Bond Counsel, Kenneth Bond, during Monday night's presentation to the city council. Bond says the move would give the city some latitude in what the money is used for. However, Teresi says the three entities involved must first approve the move.

Bond says before the votes are taken, though, the city needs to develop a long-term plan for using the money that would be coming in, including funding some capital improvement projects, creating reserve funds, or to provide matching money for grants.

Bond says the money would be raised when the not-for-profit JLDC goes out to bond for the purchase. That money would "pass-though" to the city. Teresi says user fees will likely cover the pay-back costs for the city.

The Salvation Army of Jamestown is almost one-third of the way to it's goal of $112,000 for it's annual Red Kettle Campaign.

That from Captain Kim Merchant, who says the campaign is well underway... and, has already raised $35,000. Merchant says they still have a ways to go but, adds they're optimistic about making goal, which she says is critical to their operation.

The Red Kettle Campaign started just before Thanksgiving at a few locations and, Merchant says they are now using all 10 of their usual sites. Merchant says they've again had to hire bell-ringers but, adds the number of volunteers for this year is starting to pick up as we get closer to Christmas and, the wrap-up of the campaign.

If you would like to volunteer to man the kettles, Merchant says call Holly Eckstrom at their South Main Street headquarters at 664-4108.

Jamestown-area residents will soon be able to order groceries through an industry-leading grocery delivery service starting today.

Wegmans-Buffalo Consumer Affairs Manager Michele Mehaffy says that the partnership between Wegmans and Instacart launched in June and is now expanding to the Wegmans in West Ellicott to provide a "seamless shopping experience".

Mehaffy says the most recent Wegmans to partner with Insta-Cart prior to West Ellicott was the store in Erie, Pennsylvania. She says they have had a great success with Instacart so far.

Mehaffy says the delivery option allows customers to use their Wegman's Shoppers Club card to get discounts on groceries without taking time to go to the store. For more information, visit Wegmans.com/Instacart

A Brocton woman was arrested for an alleged Leandra's Law violation in the Town of Durkirk last Saturday evening.

Sheriff deputies say they were called to a business on Vineyard Drive to check the well-being of a female subject at 7 PM. On arrival, deputies say the the female subject left the area in a vehicle.

The vehicle was located and an investigation showed that the female subject--who was identified as 37 year-old Shannon Jusko-- was operating the vehicle while ability impaired by drugs.

There was also a child under the age of 16 year-old inside the vehicle, making the arrest a felony. Jusko was taken to the County Jail on bail.

The city council will consider later this month selling Jamestown's wastewater treatment plant to the city's Local Development Corporation to raise about $16-million to help cover on-going capital costs.

The proposal was offered during Mayor Sam Teresi's report to lawmakers at last night's work session. Teresi says they've been working with city Bond Council Kenneth Bond of New York City on "non-traditional" ways to raise "working capital." Bond proposed using what's called "monetization".

Those items Teresi mentioned included two-million dollars to help upgrade the wastewater treatment plant, and related facilities as well as 2.5-million dollars in equipment needs for the Public Works Department.

Both Teresi and Bond noted that the sewer plant would have to be sold for it's "fair market" value of about $15-million to $20-million.

Bond says selling the plant to the JLDC involves fewer restrictions on what the money can be used for because the JLDC is a "not-for-profit" corporation.

While the JLDC would own the wastewater treatment plant, Teresi and Bond noted that there would be no change in current labor agreements between plant employees and the BPU.

Under state law, they say the JLDC is a "local public authority" and subject to oversight by the state Public Authorities Budget Office.

Even with the verbal promise from the state of more municipal aid, the city of Jamestown has to look at other ways to raise revenue in addition to finding more cost-savings.

Those are the feelings of City Council Finance Committee Chairman Tony Dolce now that the city has a 2018 spending plan in place. Following last week's budget vote Dolce expressed frustration over having to wait until the 11th hour to get a commitment from the state. Otherwise, he says lawmakers have to continue working to grow the tax base.

Mayor Sam Teresi noted that small business owners he spoke with said business was up that Saturday after "Black Friday" about 25-percent. That should help boost sales tax for the fourth-quarter.

Dolce says there has also been an uptick in investment in some of the city's neighborhoods. He adds the state can't keep helping plug holes in municpal budget's due to their own fiscal situation, adding that it needs to provide more incentives for consolidation and restructuring local governments.

Fire damage was confined to a back-room area of a house just south of the Jamestown city line Monday morning.

Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say Kiantone firefighters were called to a reported chimney fire at a home at 1742 Route 60 shortly before 8:00. Dispatchers say Jamestown, Busti and Frewsburg firefighters were called in to assist at the scene.

Officials say the blaze was knocked down quickly and no one was hurt. Fire crews were at the scene until just after 9 AM. A Creosote building up in the chimney was the apparent cause.

The Winter Storm Watch for lake effect snow remains in effect from Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.

That's the word from Meteorologist Jon Hitchcock of the National Weather Service. Hitchcock says a major change in the weather pattern will take place mid-week and, lake effect snow bands are expected to set up by late Wednesday. He says it's still hard to say how much snow northern Chautauqua County will get out of the storm.

However, Hitchcock says it appears the immediate Jamestown area will miss the bulk of the snowfall. In fact, he says places away from the Lake Erie shoreline eastward, likely won't get much from this event.

Total snow accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are possible in the most persistent lake snows. Locally two feet or more is possible for locations in the Buffalo Southtowns.

He's taking full responsibility for his loss on Election Day but, the head of the Jamestown City Council says he was most disturbed about what he call's a "Trump-style Campaign" of fear against him.

Democrat Greg Rabb says he was alerted by some of his students about an on-line effort to "throw shade" on him. Throwing Shade is described as "talking trash about a friend or aquaintance, or to publicly denounce or disrespect." Rabb says the first instance was about a talk he gave some time ago about Islam.

Rabb says the other issue was about his local stance on Transgender rights which has been a major national topic the past couple of years. He says he doesn't understand why there's a problem when he's "in favor of diversity" adding that he himself is gay.

Rabb says he believes he knows who was involved in the on-line shading but, says he's elected not to respond to those people. Rabb made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group stations.

A city man is jailed for allegedly stealing items from a drug store on Jamestown's northside Sunday afternoon.

City police were called to the Rite Aid store on North Main Street just after 4 p.m. and, went to arrest 54 year-old Alfredo Diaz. However, they say Diaz ran off before being arrested at the corner of Washington and West 11th Streets.

Officers say the took Diaz into custody without further incident and charged him with petty larceny and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.

A Stockton teenager was arrested on drug charges after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana and several marijuana smoking devices during a traffic stop.

State Police in Jamestown say they pulled over a vehicle last Thursday on County Route 380 for speeding. While speaking to the driver, 19 year-old Jerry Fricker, Troopers smelled marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

A search revealed a bag containing over five grams of marijuana and the smoking devices. He was issued a speeding ticket and is to appear in Town of Stockton Court on a later date.

A Jamestown man sought on a warrant for violating terms of treatment court has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of drugs with the intent to sell.

City police say officers last Friday afternoon spotted on 27 year-old Sean Barrett inside a parked vehicle in the area of East Second Street and Foote Avenue.

Officers say they took Barrett into custody on the warrant and, found him allegedly in possesion of a quantity of methamphetamine packaged for sale. Police charged him with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was sent to the city jail pending arraignment.

There's been another fatal hunting accident in the region, this one involving an Erie-area man whose pistol accidently fired a round as he was taking it out of it's holster.

State Police in Corry, Pennsylvania say 32 year-old Nicholas Powell of Union City was out hunting Friday afternoon when he returned home about 4 PM.

Troopers say the gun was in a shoulder holster when Powell went to take it out and, it discharged one round into his chest. Police say he was rushed to Titusville-Area Hospital where he later died.

He won't be back on the Jamestown City Council next year but, outgoing Council President Greg Rabb says there's still plenty to get done before the end of the year.

Rabb did not win re-election to a sixth-term last month but, says he's still keeping his nose to the grind-stone on a number of fronts. One item going before council at tonight's work session is the proposed expansion of the Northwest Arena on West Third Street. Rabb says it includes the city selling a piece of land on Second Street to the Arena.

The expansion of the ice arena will allow for more office space, likely for the new National Comedy Center to be located across West Second Street from the arena. In addition, work is progressing on the new DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on Fourth Street.

Rabb says these are just two of the projects taking place. He says there's a lot of complicated work involved in getting such projects to fruition, and he says it's been "exciting" to be part of it.

Rabb made his comments for this past weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the five Media One Group Stations.

A head-on collision between a car and a parked FedEx delivery truck in the town of Ellery last Friday has left a local couple in the car in serious condition at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital.

State Police in Jamestown confirm that the accident occured on Route 430 about 11:30 AMFriday. Troopers say the driver of the westbound car, 80 year-old Bruce Cobb, crossed the center line for some unknown reason.

Troopers say the truck involved was actually parked on the side of the road. The driver of the truck, 61 year-old Rudolph DeSanto of Erie, suffered a shoulder and back injury. He was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for treatment.

Police say Cobb and his wife and passenger, 75 year-old Patricia Cobb, were both flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie for treatment of possible head and internal injuries. No charges have yet been filed in the case.

There's a new center for New Yorkers working to stay healthy following a struggle with drug use.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the opening last week of the new Pillars Recovery Center in Harlem. The facility, which received $1.75 million in state funding, offers peer support groups, job training, recreation and health programs and treatment programs tailored for individuals.

The centers are intended to serve as a non-clinical, substance-free place where former users can come together to support their recovery. The state says they now have similar recovery centers in all five of New York City's boroughs.

Cuomo says the new center is an example of steps the state is taking to expand treatment and services for those struggling with addiction and drug use.

There were more than lighted floats and, the lighting of the Christmas Treet during Jamestown's annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration last Friday night.

However, the tree lighting was the main attraction. Mayor Sam Teresi presided over the official tree lighting at Tracy Plaza. However, he also recognized the winner of contest between classes at nearby Jamestown High School.

Teresi says that involves several planters located on Third Street for the Christmas season. Four of those were from each class at JHS. For having the winning planter, Teresi says a donation was made by an anonymous source to the Class of 2021 of $100 that will go towards the classes fund-raising efforts in the JHS "Penny Wars."

City officails in Dunkirk have broken ground on a $750,000 bridge project, one that has been a top priority of the Rosas Administration for the past two-years.

City officials were on hand Friday to begin the replacement project for the bridge on Howard Avenue using a "Bridge New York" grant. The portion of Howard Avenue has been closed since 2007 and Mayor Wllie Rosas says it's left abot 10 homes without timely fire protection.

City Public Works Director Randy Woodbury says Rosas was able to get the funding after a meeting with Governor Cuomo.

Second Ward Councilman Marty Bamonto says not only will the project help the neighborhood, but it could assist with future economic development at a nearby Steel plant. Work on the project is expected to begin on Monday.

Woodbury says a pre-cast bridge has already been built for the site and, it'll be transported to the location. Weather permitting, he says the project should be completed by the end of the month.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is warning Project Veritas that it could lose its ability to raise money in New York because it didn't disclose its founder's criminal record.

The Democratic prosecutor's office wrote Wednesday to the conservative non-profit, which has used disguises and hidden cameras to uncover supposed liberal bias in the mainstream media.

A woman affiliated with the group tried to get The Washington Post to report a false sex assault allegation against Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. Registered charities in New York must disclose executives' convictions.

A head-on crash between a car and a parked delivery truck in the town of Ellery has left a local couple in the car in serious condition at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital. State Police in Jamestown confirm that the accident occured on Route 430 about 11:30 a.m. Friday. State Police say the driver of the westbound car, 80 year-old Bruce Cobb, was westbound when his car crossed the center line for some unknown reason. Troopers say the truck involved -- a FedEx Delivery truck -- was actually parked on the side of the road. The truck driver, 61 year-old Rudolph DeSanto of Erie, suffered a shoulder and back injury. He was taken to UPMC Chautauqua WCA Hospital for treatment. Police say Cobb and his wife and passenger, 75 year-old Patricia Cobb, were both flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie for treatment for possible head and internal injuries. No charges have yet been filed in the case.

Two Jamestown men arrested for allegedly trafficking a large amount of Meth now facing federal charges...

Two Jamestown men arrested in early November for allegedly being found in possession of more than a pound of Methamphetime have now been arrested on federal charges. U-S Attorney James Kennedy, Jr. said Friday that 26 year-old Ernest Cauley, Jr and 22 year-old Zackiel Fields, Jr, are in custody after a federal criminal complaint had been filed in the case. Both men were arrested last November 6th during a traffic stop at Hazeltine Avenue and Baker Street. Assistant U-S Attorney Paul Parisi says both men appeared in U-S District Court Friday... and, were charged with conspiracy of possession with intent to distribute, more than 500-grams of Meth. Parisi says that 500-grams of Meth amounts to about 1.2-pounds of the narcotic drug. Jamestown Police Captain Bob Samuelson says both men are charged local with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... a Class-A-2 Felony. Federal prosecutors say Field was also identified by U-S Postal Service officials as a person who had purchased "thousands of dollars" of postal money orders with cash at local post offices. He says Fields and others lacked an "apparent legitimate occupation or employment" over the past 18 months while converting large amounts of cash into postal money orders.

A Sherman man will face a manslaughter charge after being indicted by the Chautauqua County Grand Jury for allegedly hunting after dark... and, shooting and accidently killing a Sherman women he mistook for a deer. The secret panel issued the two-count indictment against 34 year-old Thomas Jadlowski on Thursday for second-degree manslaughter, and Hunting after Dark. During a press conference late Thursday in Mayville... District Attorney Patrick Swanson said Jadlowski used a "high-powered pistol" while hunting... but, says that was within regulations. He says it was a 35-calibur Thompson Contender gun. Swanson adds that the Grand Jury also considered a charge of criminally negligent homicide... which involves a different level of "culpability." He says by indicting for manslaughter, the Grand Jury is alledging that Jadlowski was "reckless in knowing that he was taking a risk... and, disregarding it." Swanson says Jadlowski was later arraigned on the charges... and, later posted $50,000 bail. Jadlowski is accused of hunting just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, when he said he saw what he thought was a deer about 200 yards away, and he fired one shot. However, that shot struck and killled 43 year-old Rosemary Billquist.

Holiday Season officially kicks off with Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration in Jamestown Friday night...

There may have been no snow... but, there was plenty of Christmas spirit in downtown Jamestown last night as the annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration took place along Third Street. Local band "We Speak Canadian" provided the entertainment at Tracy Plaza leading up to the parade with several cover songs, and others. The annual event was put on again this year by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation... and, new Executive Director Lisa Hatch... thanked her staff.. and, city officials... for helping to pull everything off. Mayor Sam Teresi helped lead the countdown to light the 45-tall Blue Spruce tree. Hatch also thanked their several sponsors... including the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation... which sponsored the fireworks after the parade. Jamestown's "Mr. Baseball" Russ Diethrick, was the parade's Grand Marshall.

Sanvidge to leave county IDA on Dec. 15...

The man who has headed up the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency for the past three-and-a-half years has announced he'll be stepping down on mid-December. Retired north county businessman Kevin Sanvidge says he will complete his term of service on Dec. 15. County Executive Vince Horrigan says Sanvidge became head of the IDA and Chautauqua County Planning and Economic Development in late May of 2014, and says he couldn't be "more pleased" with Sanvidge's work... from new job creation and jobs saved, to work in the tourism and hospitality industry. Horrigan praised Sanvidge for several initiatives... including bringing the LECOM Health Challenge PGA Web.com Tour event to Peek 'n Peak. He says another factor is Sanvidge wanted to give incoming County Executive George Borrello the chance to go in whatever direction he wanted to with a new director. Horrigan says even with no director in place between December 15th and the end of the year... the agency "team" should be fine.

A Sherman man has been charged with manslaughter in connection with last week's hunting accident on Armenian Road that claimed the life of a woman walking her dogs in a field near her house.

Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson says the county Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment against 34 year-old Thomas Jadlowski Thursday for second-degree manslaughter, and hunting after Sunset. Swanson says Jadlowski was not charged at the scene in the death of 43 year-old Rosemary Billquist because their investigation was not complete.

Swanson says Jadlowski was able to post the $50,000 bail, $100,000 property bond set during his arraignment. Regional State Department of Environmental Conservation Captain Frank Lauracello praised Swanson and County Sheriff Joe Gerace for their thorough investigation and, says this case shows why firearms safety is so important.

Jadlowski is accused of hunting with a 35-mm handgun last Wednesday night, shortly before 5:30 p.m when he said he saw what he thought was a deer and he fired one shot. However, that shot hit Billquist, who later died at an Erie, Pennsylvania hospital.

Jadlowski faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the manslaughter count.

Officials with the state Department of Environmental Conservation are stressing the importance of hunter safety and expressing concern over recent incidents across the state, including last week's fatal incident in Chautauqua County.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos held a news conference in Albany Thursday morning in Albany. While he would not comment about possibility of charges from a grand jury hearing the case in Sherman, Seggos indicated there was clearly hunter error involved.

Sheriff's officers say 34-year-old Thomas Jadlowski of Sherman is accused of firing the shot that killed 43-year-old Rosemary Billquist of Sherman back on November 22.

During the news conference, Seggos emphasized the importance following hunter safety rules and using common sense when taking part in the sport. He says it you aren't sure what you're shooting at, "don't pull the trigger."

Chautauqua County Sheriff's Officers are investigating a two-car, head-on collision in the Town of Sheridan that sent six people to the hospital, two with serious injuries.

Deputies say they responded to a reported motor vehicle accident with personal injury on Route 20 shortly before 7 p.m.Wednesday. Early investigation showed that the vehicle operated by 25 year-old Jonathan Eddings of Silver Creek, crossed the center line and struck the vehicle operated by 32 year-old Nicholas Coppola the fourth. also of Silver Creek.

Both Eddings and his passenger, 31 year-old Brian Nowak, were flown to a nearby trauma center for treatment of serious injuries. Coppola and his three passenger were taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk for treatment of minor injuries. The Sheriff's Department Accident Reconstruction Team was also called to the scene. Charges are pending.

A Fredonia man is jailed on $3,000 bail after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance while driving on a suspended license Tuesday night in Ripley.

Sheriff Deputies say they made a traffic stop on Route 5 for a traffic infraction and, identified the driver as 25 year-old Travis Rice. After a brief investigation, Rice was found to allegedly be driving with a suspended license.

After Rice was in custody officers a controlled substance was found in the vehicle and he was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Rice was charged with several additional charges including speeding and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was arraigned in the village of Ripley court and sent to the county lock-up.

One of the St. Susan's Center's biggest fund-raisers and food drives is coming up in mid-December to help the Jamestown area's largest soup kitchen get through the holiday season.

St. Susan's Director Jeff Smith says the fourth-annual Holiday Haul is set to be held in the parking lot of the Jamestown Cycle Shop December 14 through the 16.

Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin is again hosting the event, which Smith says again has the goal of filling a Jamestown Mattress truck with food stuffs, and other items needed by St. Susan's.

Smith says they'll also be accepting monitary donations to help St. Susan's buy kitchen items and, others that they need. He also reminds residents that they can get seven-dollars worth of items from the Food Bank of Western New York for each dollar St. Susan's spends with them.

However, Smith says they also need supplies, like dishwashing detergent, that they don't have donated, and is not available from the Food Bank. Smith says they are still working out the hours for the Holiday Haul but, says Martin is again looking forward to the event because of the support from the community.

The St. Susan's Center is continuing it's current fund-raiser of selling their "Three Sisters Soup" as an off-shot of it's "Soup and a Song" fund-raisers.

That from Center Director Jeff Smith, who says residents can purchase packages of the bean, corn, and squash soup mix at their 31 Water Street headquarters. Smith says it was first distributed by previous director Sue Colwell.

Smith says they've been working with Chief Rusty Fredell at the Ashville BOCES and one of his students on creating the soup and, The Basket Company to package and market the soup, which costs 5-dollars per package. He says you just add water, and the seasoning packet provided, and cook on the stove top.

For more information on the St. Susan's Center and it's activities, call 664-2253 or go on-line to StSusansCenter.org

A Pennsylvania man suspected of firing a gun in an upstate New York mall crowded with holiday shoppers has been arraigned on reckless endangerment and assault charges.

Michael Perez Rodriguez pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday. Two people suffered minor injuries when the gun discharged at Galleria at Crystal Run in the Orange County town of Wallkill on Sunday afternoon.

The shooting sent shoppers scurrying for safety. Assistant District Attorney Jason Rosenwasser tells the Times Herald-Record in Middletown that Perez Rodriguez turned himself in Tuesday night after police released video showing the suspect entering the mall with a woman, a young child and an infant.

Rosenwasser says Perez Rodriguez is a lawful pistol permit holder in New York and Pennsylvania and has a carry permit. Perez Rodriguez returns to court Monday

County Dept. of Health and Human Services issued Vaping Advisory...
Chautauqua County health officials are now urging residents to stop using all vaping products until the investigation into the defi...